ZAMRA Confiscates Illegal Covid-19 Vaccines Imported By Lungu Ally

The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) says it has intercepted and destroyed a shipment of ten thousand Covid-19 vaccines that were imported to the country without authorisation. 

The medicines were labelled as Hayat-Vax: a vaccine manufactured in the UAE but not currently approved for use in Zambia. The consignment was brought into the country by Chrismar Earthmoving Equipment, which is owned by Valden Findlay, a close associate of former President Edgar Lungu. 

Findlay, who is a longtime supporter of the former president, recently had his assets frozen by the Drug Enforcement Commission after trying to transfer some K10 million into offshore bank accounts. The Lusaka businessman was previously implicated in a drug trafficking scandal orchestrated by Indian drug lord Vicky Goswami. 

The vaccines were seized at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on Sunday and are estimated to be worth $150,000. The drugs are not authorised for use in Zambia, nor are they approved for emergency use by the World Health Organisation. 

ZAMRA have since urged those intending to import Covid-19 vaccines, as well as other medicines, to ensure they follow the correct processes and procedures.